Carrot Roll Cake

This Carrot Cake Roll is a delightful twist on the classic carrot cake, featuring a soft and spiced sponge rolled around a rich and creamy cream cheese filling. It’s a show-stopping dessert that’s perfect for spring gatherings, Easter celebrations, or whenever you’re craving a sweet and spiced treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Moist – Made with freshly grated carrots for a soft and tender texture.
• Perfectly Spiced – Features warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger for classic carrot cake flavor.
• Creamy Filling – The luscious cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with the spiced cake.
• Impressive Yet Easy – Rolling a cake may seem fancy, but this recipe is simple to follow.
• Great for Special Occasions – A beautiful and delicious dessert that looks bakery-worthy!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Carrot Cake:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Ground ginger
• Eggs
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Grated carrots

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

• Cream cheese
• Unsalted butter
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Optional Toppings:

• Powdered sugar (for dusting)
• Chopped pecans or walnuts
• Carrot shavings for garnish

Directions

Make the Cake:

1. Preheat Oven – Set to 350°F (175°C). Line a jelly roll pan with parchment paper and grease it lightly.
2. Prepare Dry Ingredients – In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients – In another bowl, beat eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy. Stir in the grated carrots.
4. Combine & Bake – Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cake is set.
5. Roll the Cake – While the cake is still warm, carefully turn it onto a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar. Gently roll the cake with the towel and let it cool completely.

Make the Filling:

6. Beat Cream Cheese & Butter – In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
7. Add Powdered Sugar & Vanilla – Gradually mix in powdered sugar and vanilla until creamy.

Assemble the Cake Roll:

8. Unroll the Cooled Cake – Carefully unroll the cake and spread the cream cheese filling evenly over it.
9. Re-Roll – Gently roll the cake back up (without the towel) and place seam-side down.
10. Chill & Serve – Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Dust with powdered sugar and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8-10 slices
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Cooling & Assembly Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

• Nutty Addition – Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for extra crunch.
• Coconut Carrot Cake Roll – Mix in shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
• Maple Cream Cheese Filling – Add a tablespoon of maple syrup to the frosting for a deeper flavor.
• Raisin Lover’s Version – Fold in golden raisins for a chewy, sweet contrast.
• Lighter Version – Swap part of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a healthier filling.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Wrap the cake roll in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
• Serving Tip: Best served chilled, but let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before slicing for the best texture.

FAQs

How do I prevent my cake from cracking?

Rolling the cake while it’s warm helps prevent cracks. Be gentle when unrolling and rerolling.

Can I use pre-shredded carrots?

Freshly grated carrots are best since they provide more moisture, but pre-shredded can work if finely chopped.

Do I need a jelly roll pan?

Yes, a jelly roll pan (10×15 inches) is ideal, but a similar-sized baking sheet with edges can work.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make it a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Can I use a different filling?

Yes! Try a whipped cream filling or a mascarpone-based filling for a twist.

Why is my cake sticking to the towel?

Make sure to dust the towel generously with powdered sugar before rolling.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.

Can I add pineapple?

Yes, but drain it well to prevent excess moisture from affecting the cake texture.

How do I get clean slices?

Chill the cake roll before slicing, and use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts.

What can I serve with carrot cake roll?

It pairs well with a cup of tea, coffee, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Conclusion

This Carrot Cake Roll is a beautiful and delicious dessert that combines all the warm, spiced flavors of traditional carrot cake with a creamy, tangy filling. It’s easy to make, fun to roll, and always impresses guests. Try it for your next gathering or holiday celebration—you won’t be disappointed!

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